ملف ٣٥١٦\١٩١٤ الجزء ٧ "الحرب الألمانية: بلاد فارس" [و‎‎٢‎٠‎٩] (٥١٩/٤٢٢)

From Sir P. Cox, Basra, 16th March 1915.
(Addressed to Minister ; repeated to India Office.)
(R.) 541 B. Following from Shiraz, 16th March.
“Please see Bushire telegram, 90 dated 15th March and message, Sig
naller, Kazenm same date.
“We have now definite evidence that Swedes are parties to German
conspiracy and they are now rapidly throwing oil the mask. I here are
many indications that gendamerie are prepared to actively assist Germans in
their plans. Plot in fact is ripe for denoument which can now he only
matter of day or two 1 understand that W . is merely awaiting instructions
from German Minister for him to start matters here. He will have the whole
of the country together with gendarmerie behind him.
“ In the circumstances we must, 1 venture to think, face the situation
frankly and do all that is possible to avert conflagration even at the last
moment. I venture to make following suggestions :—
“ First, that Your Excellency and the Russian Minister should imme
diately inform the Persian Government and Commandant of the Gendarmerie
that complicity of the Swedes in German plot is known and that they will be
held personally responsible for outbreak of troubles of any kind. If possible
warning might be accompanied by threat of immediate despatch ol Russian
and British troops to Tehran and Shiraz in the event of disturbances.
“ Secondly, similar remonstrance from the Allied Governments to
Swedish Government with request that urgent instructions max be sent to
Swedish officers in Persia.
“ Thirdly, that I should be authorised to inform Governor-General and
Pravitz that we are aware of their plans and that they will be held peisonally
responsible for outbreak oi disturbance and loss of life and property ol
foreign subjects.
“ Only prompt and strong action at 1 ehran, hovvevei, can nou aveit very
serious situation.
“ Addressed to Tehran (50), repeated to Basra. (10), Bushire (59).